Ecuador Escapes
Ecuador is a country straddling the equator on South America’s west coast. Its diverse landscape encompasses Amazon jungle, Andean highlands and the wildlife-rich Galápagos Islands. In the Andean foothills at an elevation of 2,850m, Quito, the capital, is known for its largely intact Spanish colonial center, with decorated 16th- and 17th-century palaces and religious sites, like the ornate Compañía de Jesús Church.
The Andes, the Amazon Rainforest, beautiful beaches, colourful cultures and the remarkable Galapagos Islands, there is so much to explore in Ecuador. Whether you are after a comfortable journey (like taking a luxury voyage around the Galapagos), an active adventure (like hiking the Andes) or a cultural journey (like visiting local communities), it offers all to you.
Quito, Ecuador’s capital, is a city where the colonial nuances of its historical zone contrast with its modern buildings of the current era. The culture of its miscegenation helped it become, in 1978, the 1st city classified as a Cultural Heritage of Humanity, which has the colonial architecture zone with the largest perimeter in Latin America. Quito is only the beginning of a magical adventure. From the capital you can travel and meet the 4 worlds that Ecuador offers to you. Beaches on the coast, the mountains in the highlands, the biodiversity of the Amazon and the enchanted Galapagos Islands are waiting for you with open arms.
The natural beauty throughout the country, surely Ecuador’s most famous place is the Galapagos Islands and it comprises of 13 major islands, 6 minor islands and 40 islets, is a true natural wonder. One can see unique wildlife such as land and marine iguanas, giant tortoises, and abundant marine and bird life, the archipelago has the highest rate of endemic species anywhere in the world.
For those who wish to explore fascinating history, breath-taking landscapes and extraordinary wildlife in one country, Ecuador is the perfect place to see all.
QUITO
Quito, Ecuador’s capital, is a city where the colonial nuances of its historical zone contrast with its modern buildings of the current era. The culture of its miscegenation helped it become, in 1978, the 1st city classified as a Cultural Heritage of Humanity, which has the colonial architecture zone with the largest perimeter in Latin America.
GALAPAGOS
On the islands of Santa Cruz and Isabela, we will take you to experience to the next step in luxury eco-adventure. These eco-lodges feature the latest in sustainable technology to create a luxury experience nestled in the Galápagos wilderness. Keep a look out if you go for a wander around the area: you might just bump into a tortoise! Unparalleled exploration of the Islands on board the finest expedition vessels, Luxurious, eco-friendly Galapagos lodges, Stay in premium tented expedition camps
AMAZON
In the dense canopy of the Yasuní Reserve, deep in the Amazonian rainforest, lives a bird of legendary size and strength. To the local Huaorani indians, who live without contact with the outside world, the harpy eagle is worshipped as an idol and a symbol of power. However, if you don’t see one – after all, it is very rare – there are still another 500 species of birds to discover in the reserve as well as countless other animals. Wildlife watching in the Yasuní reserve, the most biodiverse place on the planet OR Take a plunge into the magical experience of ayahuasca
COASTAL
Explore the village of Agua Blanca, in Machalilla National Park. Some years ago, a large ruin of the Machalilla culture was discovered right in the middle of town. This created a nightmare for the residents, since any new buildings had to be delicately constructed around the ruins to accommodate them. The locals don’t have too many complaints though: they can now make a living guiding and hosting archaeologists and researchers who come from all over the world to investigate the ruins.
- Princesses in the Remote Jungle – The remote Yasuni reserve of the biosphere, located in the rain forest, still one of the most pristine and biodiverse places in Ecuador and the planet, considered biologically a treasure, due to its high number of endemic species, but also the home of the mythic Huoranies, Onanes and Taromenanes indigenous tribes, who barely have been.
- Paraiso my Best Friend – Riding in the Avenue of the volcanoes of Ecuador, is one of the greatest experiences, but most grateful when our British guest Harry who is 11 year old, after falling from a horse in the past, gave himself the opportunity to try it again, and there we were with Carlos Cedeno an Ecuadorean horse whisper.
- Villa Living – A beautiful private villa, located on 1 hr from the airport and 1:30 minutes from Quito central district, is now days the one of the most exclusive options to visit the northern Andes of Ecuador. The villa has 4 bedrooms, living room, dining room, lounge bar, BBQ area, small house for the guide.
- 4 X 4 Expedition – Driving your own Toyota 4×4 on an expedition trip over some of the most pristine areas of the central Andes, having as a background the “Neck of the Moon” or Cotopaxi volcano, in native Quichua language, is a unique experience.
- Naive Painting Lessons – An amazing combination of art, soft adventure, anthropology and inspiring moments is possible to experience through the avenue of the volcanoes, staying at the oldest farm in Ecuador, San Agustin de Callo – Inca Hacienda. Built in 1480 over Inca, Spanish and Republican walls, contributes to this amazing immersion in our culture.
- Enjoy a Cooking Class – This is a new experience that allows our guests to experiment a true and authentic moment with an Ecuadorean family. The journey starts with a visit to one of the traditional food markets of Quito, exploring the environment of a local market with all the produces, fruits, smells, etc.
- Bird Watching – This bird paradise is located 79 km from Quito, where you can find up to 120 species of hummingbirds, among other species. If you are an ecological tourism and extreme sports fan, Mindo offers you a unique experience.
- Religious Tours – MEDITATE AT ‘LA GRUTA DE LA PAZ, This sanctuary is built inside a cave in the Apaqui River Canyon and it represents a beautiful scenario for reflection and contemplation. ‘La Gruta de la Paz’ is a sanctuary for worshiping Virgin Mary; we owe its construction to the amazing nature and the faith professed by its inhabitants.
- Immense yourself in Thermal Water – 64 km to the east of Quito we can find Papallacta, a moorland with a beautiful cloud rainforest. Thermal waters spring out in this area. Besides its internationally famous thermal waters, Papallacta offers a great variety of high quality typical food such as trout, chicken broth, morocho, chocolate with cheese, yucca tortillas, breakfast from Papallacta, locro and guayusa, the traditional beverage of the Amazon Region.